In a major breakthrough to streamline the toll payment process, highway users in Malaysia will now be able to pay with their credit or debit cards at the Putrajaya Toll Plaza on the Maju Expressway (MEX). This is part of a trial run for an open toll payment system across six lanes starting from Thursday, August 3rd.
The Works Ministry of Malaysia, under the guidance of Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi, is taking a significant stride towards digitization with this initiative. This progressive move will eventually extend to 12 selected highways as a part of a phased rollout of the open toll payment system.
The innovative system paves the way for a more flexible toll payment process. Apart from the existing modes of payment including Touch ‘n Go, SmartTag, and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), motorists will now have the additional convenience of using their debit or credit cards.
Upon full implementation, the new system will encompass several key expressways including MEX, Butterworth-Kulim Expressway (BKE), Western Kuala Lumpur Traffic Dispersal Scheme (SPRINT) Expressway, Shah Alam Expressway (KESAS), Damansara-Puchong Highway (LDP), SMART Tunnel, Duta-Ulu Klang Expressway (DUKE), Penang Bridge (JPP), Sungai Besi Expressway (BESRAYA), New Pantai Expressway (NPE), Ampang-Kuala Lumpur Elevated Expressway (AKLEH) and Guthrie Corridor Expressway (GCE). Covering 31 toll plazas and 81 lanes, this initiative is expected to reshape the way toll transactions are conducted.
The Maju Expressway Sdn Bhd (MESB), the concession company for MEX Expressway, is spearheading this initiative. The testing phase of the system commenced in July 2023 to ensure a smooth operational transition in line with the standards set by the Malaysian Highways Authority (LLM).
The Works Ministry is vigilantly monitoring the readiness and progress of the testing phase, currently undertaken by LLM in collaboration with highway concessionaires. Emphasizing the significance of a detailed and careful implementation, Minister Linggi highlighted that considerations extend beyond technical aspects to include security, legislation, and handling of toll transaction records.
The main goal is to prioritize the comfort and safety of highway users. As a precaution, motorists are urged to ensure sufficient balances in their debit and credit cards and to follow the specified protocols at the toll terminals for seamless transactions.
This news story is based on an article published by thestar.com.my.
